Need P-EBT customer service number for 2025 benefits - can't find contact info anywhere!

The P-EBT customer service number is 877-328-9677. They're open Monday-Friday from 8am to 8pm. Just be aware you'll probably wait a long time - I was on hold for over an hour last month when trying to get a replacement card. Make sure you have your children's student ID numbers handy because they might ask for those to verify.

wait i thought p-ebt was discontinued??? my kids school sent home a letter saying it was only during the pandemic stuff. are they still giving these out in 2025?

GOOD LUCK actually reaching anyone at that number!!! I've called at least 15 times in the past month and EVERY TIME either get disconnected after 45+ minutes on hold or told by the automated system that "call volume is too high, try again later" and then it HANGS UP ON ME. The P-EBT/School Meals EBT system is TOTALLY BROKEN. I've been trying to activate a card since February and it's now April. My kids could have used those benefits for MONTHS already!!!

I was having the same problem trying to reach someone about my kids' P-EBT cards. I actually found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person at the P-EBT office without waiting on hold. They basically call for you and then call you back when they have a representative on the line. I was skeptical but it worked great - only took about 20 minutes instead of the hours I was spending trying myself. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 and their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Saved me so much frustration after multiple failed attempts to get through.

i dont think u can get P-EBT anymore because my cousin works for the school district and she said they stoped it this year. but maybe its different in different counties? im in alameda.

Just to provide some additional information since there seems to be confusion: The School Meals EBT program (formerly P-EBT) is automatically issued to eligible children. Unlike CalFresh, you don't apply for it separately. Eligibility is determined through your child's participation in free or reduced-price school meals. For the 2025 school year, benefit amounts are approximately $120-$136 per eligible child per month when school is not in session (summer) and about $8 per day for regular school year absences that exceed 5 consecutive days. If you need to replace a lost card, call the number provided above. Be sure to have your child's student ID and date of birth ready. If you're unable to reach someone, you can also email PEBT@dss.ca.gov, but response times can be 14-21 business days.

One thing no one mentioned - if you lost your card, don't request a replacement until after the new benefits have been deposited (usually by the 10th of the month). Otherwise, you might miss a benefit cycle while waiting for the new card. Also, the automated system on the P-EBT line can actually tell you your balance and last deposit date if you have your case number - press 2 when it asks what service you need.

Has anyone here actually gotten through to a human at P-EBT recently?? I swear it's just an automated system designed to frustrate people until they give up. My kids' school told me to contact P-EBT directly about missing benefits, P-EBT tells me to contact the school... it's a NIGHTMARE circle of nobody taking responsibility!!!

I work at a local food bank and we see a lot of families struggling with P-EBT/School Meals EBT issues. One tip that's helped several people: if you can't get through on the phone, try going to your local DSS office in person. They can't directly handle P-EBT there, but they often have a direct line to the P-EBT department that bypasses the main customer service queue. Also, make sure to keep checking your mailbox - sometimes replacement cards get sent automatically if the system detects multiple failed activation attempts on a lost card. The whole system is definitely frustrating, but don't give up! These benefits can really make a difference for families.

I had the same issue a few months ago! Just wanted to add that if you do get through to someone, ask them to email you a confirmation with your case details and the replacement card request number. I learned this the hard way - my first replacement request got "lost in the system" and I had to start over because I had no proof I'd already requested it. Also, if you moved recently like you mentioned, they can update your address during the same call, but you'll need to provide two forms of address verification (utility bill, lease, etc.). The whole process is definitely frustrating but having that paper trail really helped when I had to follow up. Good luck!

As someone who just went through this process last month, I wanted to share a few additional tips that might help! First, if you're calling the 877-328-9677 number, try calling on Wednesdays or Thursdays - I noticed the wait times were shorter those days compared to Mondays when everyone calls after the weekend. Second, when you do get through, ask them to put a note in your file about any address changes or special circumstances. This saved me when I had to call back about a separate issue because the rep could see all the previous notes. Also, if you have multiple kids, you can request replacement cards for all of them in one call rather than calling separately for each child. The system can be really frustrating, but these little strategies made a huge difference for me. Hope this helps and you get your replacement card soon!

I went through this exact same situation back in January and it was such a headache! One thing that really helped me was downloading the ebtEDGE mobile app - you can actually check your card balance and see if new benefits have been deposited even without the physical card. This way you'll know if benefits are still being added to your lost card before you go through the hassle of requesting a replacement. Also, I found that calling right at 8:00 AM sharp on weekdays gave me the best chance of getting through. Still took about 30 minutes on hold, but way better than the 2+ hours I was waiting when calling later in the day. Make sure you have your kids' full names and dates of birth ready because they'll ask for that to verify your identity. The whole system definitely needs improvement, but don't give up - those benefits can really help with grocery costs!